‘Kris is the most influential mentor I have had throughout my academic and professional career.’

‘As a result of her coaching I took the bold step of applying for a job that was better aligned with my passion…even though it was a big risk.’

‘Kris’ ability to disentangle the various challenges that we all face and provide simple solutions in order to find the most fulfilling path is truly remarkable.’

‘My interactions with others are now much more thoughtful and I am beginning to see the benefits of emphasizing my strengths (as opposed to dwelling on my short-comings).’

‘Kris helped me refocus and place the “why” front and center.’

‘I benefited greatly from my coaching with Kris on a personal as well as professional level.’

‘During our sessions, she provided me with very useful feedback and recommended several strategies to help me improve my personal communication skills.’

What is your coaching philosophy?

I know that each client I work with is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. No one is broken or needs to be fixed. I believe we each have gifts we were born with and this life is our opportunity to share our gifts and make the world a better place. Therefore, my primary focus is on building strengths and then filling in gaps. I also believe that no two people are alike so my coaching is unique to match client needs. I believe in living a life full of hope, life, passion and compassion. I believe in supporting, nurturing, and loving people. I believe in total honesty and transparency. I honestly believe the truth sets us free. These beliefs fuel my coaching philosophy.

What types of people do you typically coach?

I have been coaching public health professionals for 9 years. These individuals include graduate students, emerging leaders, mid-level leaders, senior leaders, and those transitioning into some form of ‘retirement.’ I enjoy working with public health people who, I know, are driven to do good in their communities and the world.

What are 5 strengths you have as a coach?

I’m empathetic and non-judgmental which creates a safe space for optimal success.

I have extensive training in public health and am well-connected especially in maternal and child health.

I help each person I work with be the best most unique version of her/himself.

I am a lifelong learner who engages in ongoing professional development to keep my coaching skills alive and valuable.

I have a strong intuition and knowingness which takes the coaching to places and results that might not otherwise be achieved.

I have been involved in public health workforce development efforts since 2000.

I give honest, helpful feedback in a way that can be easily received and processed.

I believe that each person I work with has amazing gifts to share with the world.

What is your professional background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in developmental psychology, and a DrPH in public health/maternal and child health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

I currently work as an internal coach and faculty member with the Maternal and Child Health Program, Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). I am also a faculty member with the UIC DrPH in Leadership program. I have been at UIC since 2000. I also have a private coaching practice that I began in 2004. Beyond my formal education, I am a lifelong learner studying a range of programs that bring the human spirit alive. I am currently training to be a yoga teacher focused on eliminating chronic pain and helping people access their divine nature (if this is something they want in their lives). I believe eliminating chronic pain may be one of the most important public health foci areas of the future.

Ready To Get Started With Kris?

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Three 30-Minute Coaching Sessions

The Career Coaching service matches individuals with a personal coach--a confidant, champion, and challenger who will help you:

Gain personalized guidance through job transitions

Prepare and navigate through your annual reviews

Leverage your behavioral and professional strengths effectively

Diagnose reasons for career dissatisfaction

Learn how to take action in networking, interviewing, and taking on new opportunities